The Adelaide Convention Centre has been awarded for its achievements in the tourism industry once again taking out a major category at the 2009 South Australian Tourism Awards, announced at a Gala Ball hosted by the Centre last night.
The Centre beat tough competition to take out top honours in the Meetings and Business Tourism category, recognised for its efforts in maximising the tourism experience for meetings and business travellers.
It also walked away with a silver in the highly contested Qantas Award for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism category.
The wins add to the Centre's many accolades including gold in the Meetings and Business Tourism category and silver in the Excellence in Sustainable Tourism category at last year's awards and taking out top honours at the 2009 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards for Meetings and Business Tourism.
Over the weekend the Centre showcased the best of South Australia with the Premier's Food Awards and the South Australian Tourism Awards held on consecutive nights.
Adelaide Convention Centre Chief Executive Alec Gilbert said the wins reflected the hard work of the Centre's Board, senior management and staff.
"This has been a real team effort underpinned by our Gold Service, Green Attitude philosophy which drives all of our business decisions," he said.
"We are a major player in the tourism industry injecting millions of dollars into hotels, restaurants, cafes and other tourism related businesses every year.
"When we win the rights to host a major conference, it is not only the Centre that benefits but local tourism operators as well with conference delegates staying in Adelaide and venturing out to tourist attractions in places such as Kangaroo Island, the Barossa and McLaren Vale and even the Flinders Ranges."
This year the Centre became the first convention centre in Australia to achieve Green Globe Silver certification, recognised for its commitment and leadership in sustainable environmental practices.
"Green Globe recognition is just the start and not the end for us. We are determined to continue to set new benchmarks and maintain and improve performance in all of the Earthcheck indicators assessed," Mr Gilbert said.
"When you consider our outstanding levels of professionalism and service and our commitment to the environment, it's no wonder that Adelaide is regarded as Australia's convention city."
Further information: Jodie van Deventer, Deventer PR & Communications, on 0427 408 588 or jodie@deventer.com.au
